Hyderabad: Domestic disputes among couples are the common reason for suicide in the city. The city ranks second in the country with regard to domestic violence and third on dowry deaths.
Suicidal tendencies are either impulsive or thought over for a long time. According to a consulting psychiatrist, the root cause is the family. “A boy growing up watching his father harassing his mother would probably do the same to his wife because the mother behaves normally the next day for the sake of her children. This leaves an impression on the child’s mind that it is okay to do so.
This passes on for generations,” said Dr Purnima Nagaraja, a mental health professional, adding that domestic violence is accepted as a norm in our cou-ntry. According to a survey, 84 per cent of women said that it was okay for the husband to beat them.
Apart from physical assault, verbal abuse, threats and breaking objects can also be counted as domestic violence. “Even if a husband is at fault and leaves the family, the society blames the wife for it and it scars the psyche of the woman,” said the doctor. The city police said that since the proactive policing, more cases are coming to the light.
Violence becomes order of the day
If financial troubles, health problems and domestic disputes were driving people to commit suicide, teenagers end their life after being scolded by their parents and teachers and due to sibling fights.
“A six-year-old boy stabbed himself on the stomach to show his parents that he needs their love and affection. His parents were too busy in fighting, neglec-ting his basic needs. The boy assumed that if he killed himself, maybe they will love him,” said a consulting psychiatrist.
Violence is present almost everywhere and nowhere is this eruption more intense than in our homes.
“Behind closed doors, people are being tortured, beaten and killed. We come across a few videos where kids are being tortured or husbands harassing wives. It is crossing all social classes, genders, racial lines and age groups,” said Dr Diana Monteiro, a psychologist.
“Either one can be a victim and a victimiser and the outburst can be in various forms such as physical, sexual or emotional,” said Dr Purnima Nagaraja.
A city-based counsellor said, “Domestic violence has been an intrinsic part of the society we live in. The desire to gain control over another family member or the desire to exploit someone for personal benefits results in domestic violence.”
